[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 39, Number 46 (Monday, November 17, 2003)]
[Page 1566]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
Proclamation 7732--World Freedom Day, 2003

 November 7, 2003

 By the President of the United States

 of America

 A Proclamation

    Fourteen years ago, freedom-loving people tore down the Berlin Wall 
and began to set a nation free from Communist oppression. On World 
Freedom Day, the United States joins with other countries in 
commemorating that historic day. The United States is committed to 
liberty, freedom, and the universal struggle for human rights. We strive 
to advance peace and democracy and to safeguard these ideals around the 
world.
    After dividing families, friends, and communities for 28 years, the 
dismantling of the Berlin Wall reunited Germany and helped spread 
freedom across Central and Eastern Europe. With free elections and the 
spread of democratic values, these countries won their liberty, and 
their people became free. These democracies today contribute to a strong 
Europe, and the United States values their friendship and their 
partnership.
    On World Freedom Day, Americans express gratitude for our freedom 
and dedicate ourselves to upholding the ideals of democracy. Today, we 
are working with other nations to bring freedom to people around the 
world. American and coalition forces are sacrificing to bring peace, 
security, and liberty to Iraq, Afghanistan, and elsewhere. This is a 
mission for all who believe in democracy, tolerance, and freedom.
    Now, Therefore, I, George W. Bush, President of the United States of 
America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and 
laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim November 9, 2003, as World 
Freedom Day. I call upon the people of the United States to observe this 
day with appropriate ceremonies and activities and to affirm their 
dedication to freedom and democracy for all.
    In Witness Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand this seventh day of 
November, in the year of our Lord two thousand three, and of the 
Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and twenty-
eighth.
                                                George W. Bush

 [Filed with the Office of the Federal Register, 8:45 a.m., November 12, 
2003]

Note: This proclamation was released by the Office of the Press 
Secretary on November 8, and it was published in the Federal Register on 
November 13.